Systems and methods for analyzing a sample from a surface
AssigneePurdue Research Foundation
InventorsZheng Ouyang, Xiao Wang, Xiaoyu Zhou
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention generally relates to systems and methods for analyzing a sample from a surface. In certain aspects, the invention provides systems that include a sample introduction member that has an inlet, an outlet, and an opening along a wall of the sample introduction member. The sample introduction member may be configured such that the opening couples with a surface that includes a sample in a manner in which molecules of the sample enter the sample introduction member via the opening and exit the sample introduction member via the outlet. A mass spectrometer is configured to receive the molecules of the sample.
Claims20
A system for analyzing a sample, the system comprising:
- a monolithic sample introduction member comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an opening along a wall of the sample introduction member that is separate from the inlet, the sample introduction member being configured such that the opening couples via direct contact with a surface that comprises a sample in a manner in which molecules of the sample are desorbed from the surface and enter the sample introduction member via the opening and exit the sample introduction member via the outlet as a result of gas or vapor flow within the monolithic sample introduction member;
- and
- a mass spectrometer configured to receive the molecules of the sample.
A system for analyzing a sample, the system comprising:
- a monolithic sample introduction member comprising a cavity configured to receive a probe that comprises a sample and an outlet through which molecules of the sample flow upon being released from the probe;
- a heating element operably coupled to the sample introduction member such that heat is transferred to a portion of the probe within the cavity in a manner that facilitates release of molecules of the sample from the probe, which molecules flow through the outlet as a result of gas or vapor flow within the monolithic sample introduction member;
- and
- a mass spectrometer configured to receive the molecules of the sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.